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Identifying, countering, andpreventing operational obsolescence is a challenging but vital task for personnel involved in the design, acquisition and support of military equipment. In this thesis, I define the concept of operational obsolescence and show quantitative relationships between modernization funding timelines and operational obsolescence. Only if we truly understand obsolescence can we best combat its onset and effects. I use example data from both legacy and current Army Aviation Systems to draw conclusions about the impacts of particular modernization timelines on the various forms of obsolescence that cause operational obsolescence. I then make recommendations concerning the optimal modernization strategies for current and future aviation systems in order to facilitate the Army's ability to field and sustain the most tactically and logistically superior weapon systems possible. Using first principles, I construct Life Models based on hazard functions for each of the different forms of obsolescence. I then combine these models into an overall model, and discuss the design of a data system to estimate model parameters.

Microelectronic piece-part component obsolescence problems are prevalent and costly across all Department of Defense (DoD) weapon systems, both new and legacy. The issue is driven by the high turnover in electronic components, ...

The ability of the Department of Defense to execute its mission is directly dependent on the capability to produce and maintain weapon systems. Rapid advances in technology have been instrumental to the development of ...

This paper describes the administrative philosophy that currently guides the (evolutionary) acquisition of U.S. military systems. It then sketches a preliminary mathematical model that allows study of the effect of various ...